As several have mentioned above. It used to be possible to pay in the local currency of your destination. They have *intentionally* made this impossible.

I was very angry and pissed off for several hours. And then I booked my Airbnb anyway because it was still one third of the price of a hotel. Until they get a big competitor I would say we're stuck with their abusive practices.

On the bright side, I learned about HomeAway today.